While caring for a loved one can be rewarding, it also carries social, emotional, physical and financial costs.
When loved ones can’t do the everyday things many of us may take for granted, they need help from others. It might be because of a sudden illness or injury, because of disability, or due to frailty in older age.
Becoming a carer can happen suddenly. For example, if your loved one has an accident or illness. It can also happen gradually. For example, as an elderly parent becomes frail and needs more support.
Caring is work, but it is often undervalued and unpaid. Due to historical gender roles, women often bear an unfair portion of care work which increases inequality between genders.
Some support is available to help carers cope. We’ve listed some of the key support services in Australia for you on this page.
Are you a carer?
Not everyone sees themselves as carers, even if they have caring responsibilities. If you are a carer it can help to know that you’re not alone. Visit the Carer Gateway to learn about who carers are, what they do, and hear stories from others.
Carer gateway for free support services
The Carer Gateway is an Australian Government resource with links to free support services for carers, whether it’s care for a family member or friend with disability, a medical condition, or mental illness, or you’re caring for someone who is frail due to their age.
The services you can find at the Carer Gateway include:
- in-person or online support groups, counselling and coaching
- support packages
- online skill courses
- emergency respite
Visit the gateway to find out more or call them on 1800 422 737.
Income and leave
One of the most challenging parts of being a carer is finding the time and money to adequately care for someone. As a carer, you may have options available to you with any insurance you may have, including through superannuation. You could also explore flexible work options and leave entitlements with your employer.
📌 See our insurance and understanding superannuation pages.
Healthcare costs
Although Australia operates the Medicare universal health insurance scheme, there are plenty of healthcare costs that people still need to pay. Find out more about Australia’s healthcare system, budgeting for health costs and schemes and programs you should know about.
📌 See our healthcare costs page.
Support in your state or territory
Each state and territory government runs local support services for carers. Carers Australia is a not-for-profit service operating in all states and territories, championing the rights and interests of carers. We’ve put together some links where you might find concessions, respite services, and public transport discounts in your area.
| Australian Capital Territory | Carers Community Services Canberra |
| Supports for carers Carers ACT | |
| New South Wales | Programs, services, payments and concessions Service NSW |
| Information, education and referrals Carers NSW | |
| Northern Territory | Information for carers policies, guidelines and forms Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities |
| Supports for carers in the North Territory Carers NT | |
| Queensland | Community support for carers QLD Government |
| Programs and services for carers Carer’s Queensland | |
| South Australia | Care and support SA Government |
| Advice and support for carers Carers SA | |
| Tasmania | Mental health community sector organisations Tasmanian Department of Health |
| Care and support for carers Carer’s Tasmania | |
| Victoria | Carer support services Department of Health |
| Community and support for carers Carers Victoria | |
| Western Australia | Support for carers Government of Western Australia |
| Advocating for and supporting carers Carer’s WA |
Centrelink payments
The Australian Government provides income support payments through Centrelink. You can use this tool to learn about your eligibility for payments, including the Carer Allowance and Carer Payment, or go to Services Australia to learn more about the services and support they offer.
Want to check your eligibility?
There are specific payments, allowances and payment supplements that you may be eligible for as a carer.
| Carer Allowance | If you give daily care to someone with disability, a medical condition, or who is frail aged | |
| Carer Payment | If you give constant care to someone with severe disability, an illness, or an adult who is frail aged | |
| Carer Supplement | An annual payment if you already receive Centrelink payments and give care to someone with disability or medical condition, or who is frail aged | |
| Carer Adjustment Payment | A one-off payment to assist families following a catastrophic event where a child younger than seven is diagnosed with a severe disability or severe medical condition | |
| Child Disability Assistance Payment | If you already receive the Carer Allowance and you are looking after a child with a disability or serious illness | |
Dealing with Centrelink
Many people find dealing with Centrelink difficult. Applying for payments can be confusing. Most payments are set too low and have overly strict requirements.
📌 See our dealing with Centrelink page.
Helplines
Caring is hard work. If things become overwhelming, you might want to talk to someone.
| Organisation | How to get help |
| Carer Gateway Counselling Service Support to people caring for a family member or friend with disability, a medical condition, mental illness, or who is frail aged | 1800 422 737 and select “Option 2”Request a callback |
| Lifeline Crisis support services | 13 11 14 Online chat |
| Beyond Blue Mental health support services | 1300 224 63 Online chat |
This information was last updated 5 June 2023.
The links and resources in this article have been compiled and reviewed by the Brotherhood of St. Laurence. We aren’t responsible for what you’ll find at the links, though we do hope you find the information useful. See our disclaimer if you’d like to know more.
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